The QORTector is intended to be open source hardware solutions that can be a cheaper alternative to those looking for a dedicated Qortal node. Qortal nodes need to be running 24/7 in order to stay synchronized to the chain. If a node does not stay running 24/7, it will need to synchronize each time prior to making use of Qortal. Gen 1 was the OrangePi Prime H5 which has been discontinued by the manufacturer and wasn’t able to work properly as a full node. We have moved on to 'QORTector Gen 2' which uses the Raspberry Pi 4, and the 'QORTector KB' which uses the Raspberry Pi 400. We have developed custom kernels (software) for these devices that optimize cryptographic functions and provide 'Auto Threat Mitigation' to combat security risks of hacks. This is only the beginning of out-of-the-box thinking and development for hardware solutions. These devices draw significantly less power than most computer systems (equivalent of charging a cell phone) and can be a cost-effective way to taking part in the Qortal Network! Comparing that to the dreaded power-hungry ASIC miners of Bitcoin, it becomes apparent how incredible the options are for running a node on the Qortal Network. For those who are technically inclined to do so, the images for the QORTectors are made available for download so you can purchase and configure your RaspberryPi on your own. Go to Raspberry Pi 4 to build your own!

Crowetic Hardware Development (CHD) is a Nevada-based company that 3 of the Qortal Founders put together as a third-party service to provide Qortal’s community with pre-built QORTectors if they wish to purchase: www.crowetic.com

The QORTector KB uses a RaspberryPi 400 keyboard, then we add a Samsung T7 SSD with a custom 3D printed holder and connector.

Soon we will have more hardware solutions, including the QORTector Gen 3 which will utilize a different manufacturer of boards called Rock Pi.

QORTable devices will also soon be available which are USB flash drives with custom software to run the Qortal Core and UI without having to install anything on a computer. The core and UI run with with computer's CPU, but the database stays in the external drive, which means QORTable will be plug-n-play ready for running the Qortal Core and UI from one computer to another at any time! In other words, you can stop where you're at on one computer and pick up where you left off on another computer with QORTable!

Please note: Although the current usage is around 20gb, the demand for more space will likely grow over time so the capacity of your flash drive is recommended to be 128gb if you are buying new. Otherwise, if you happen to have a 32gb or 64gb already, it will work at this time and can be upgraded later as needed.